John Simm's Honest Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes
The first song I became enamored with
My earliest recollection is walking into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I candidly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I just became aware that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.
The best tune to play at a soirée
It relies on which phase of the event you are at. For the beginning it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.
The track I can no longer hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
Most music makes me emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.
The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
